Product Image
  • Product Image
  • Product Image
  • Product Image
  • Product Image
  • Product Image

Book Tickets Online

About

Ferry trips

Brightlingsea Harbour is just 10 miles from the City of Colchester  or Clacton on Sea.  From April to September the Harbour operates a daily foot ferry service taking you across the river Colne to Mersea Island and Point Clear just waiting to be explored.

 Brightlingsea, an historic Cinque Port rich in heritage.  As well as the cultural aspect, Brightlingsea is an exciting, fun place to explore no matter what your age is; whether it be an afternoon crabbing, a day at our very own Lido, a ramble along the beach taking in the stunning views or simply a nice lunch in one of our many delightful eateries. Our Harbour ferry provides not only a means of crossing the creek but opens up opportunities to explore the local area and attractions. Use of the ferry greatly reduces road miles – typically a round trip by road between Brightlingsea and St Osyth is 20 miles but takes just 3 minutes on the ferry. The round trip by road to East Mersea is 40 miles, but only takes approximately 9 minutes by ferry

For cyclists and walkers too, using our ferry could provide an alternative route to Harwich, Clacton, and the City of  Colchester.

Book your ferry tickets online www.brightlingseaharbour.org

 

Ferry trip Brightlingsea to East Mersea & Beyond
Leaving Brightlingsea Habour our ferry drops you off at the edge of Cudmore Grove County Park. East Mersea.  Explore the park on foot or why not take your bike on the ferry so you can explore the rest of the island itself and admire the coastline. Cudmore Grove Country Park has an excellent coastal themed play area which will keep the younger visitors entertained for hours, or maybe take a walk along the numerous zig zagging paths across the park. Alternatively, if you would like to go further afield why not enjoy the various pubs, café and eateries such as Mersea Barns, Dog & Pheasant or  locally brewed beer at Mersea Island Vineyard.

 

Ferry trip Brightlingsea to Point Clear (St Osyth

Hop on our ferry to Point Clear and enjoy a 2km half hour ramble along the St Osyth Sea wall or the St Osyth/Point Clear Coastal 6km walk. Either one should be finished with a drink at the Ferryboat Inn or café on Point Clear, before returning to Brightlingsea. We have some maps in the Harbour office if you would like some ideas for a nice scenic stroll.


Pub Lunch River Cruise to Wivenhoe 
A lovely day out for couples/families/groups etc.
Enjoy the stunning panoramic scenery along the River Colne to the picturesque riverside village of Wivenhoe on Colne Innovation our electric boat. 
The trip from Brightlingsea to Wivenhoe takes 1 hour then spend 2 hours at Wivenhoe enjoying lunch and some time to explore before returning to Brightlingsea.
With its narrow streets and quaint buildings, Wivenhoe makes a great day out. It has been home to many famous people including Joan Hickson who played Miss Marple. Numerous artists and journalists have and do live here, giving the town its flamboyant, artistic atmosphere. Right on the banks of the river Colne, the town's history centres on fishing, ship building and smuggling.
Included in the price is a delicious main meal at the renowned Black Buoy Inn which is steeped in maritime history.
The pub is 300 years old and is Rural Pub Of The Year five years running and in 2020 Colchester & North East Essex Camra Pub Of The Year. www.blackbuoy.co.uk

Ferry Charter
Chartering our ferry is another way to explore the River Colne or can be a treat to a loved one for a special occasion, so let us create the perfect trip for you, your family and friends. We can take your party to Wivenhoe, Rowhedge, Hythe Quay or just spend time enjoying the coastline and wildlife.


Harbour Tour
If you are short for time and you want to take a closer look at the yachts and power boats moored within our harbour why not take advantage and book a harbour tour. The ferry takes you around Cindery island which is a salt marsh and is home to many local birds and wildlife, you may even be lucky enough to spot our residential seal or If tides are right you could even pass one or our frequent commercial cargo ships.


Brightlingsea Harbour accepts credit cards (no fee). Other amenities are available in Brightlingsea and the harbour office can pass on details.

Book Tickets

Guide Prices

Ticket Type/Ticket Tariff
TicketFree

Brightlingsea to Point Clear one way Adult £3.00 Child under 16 £2.00 Child under 1 Free Bikes £1.50 Dogs Free
Brightlingsea / Point Clear to East Mersea one way Adult £4.50 Child under 16 £3.50 Child under 1 Free Bikes £2.50 Dogs Free
Harbour Tours £7.50 per person
Brightlingsea to Wivenhoe Pub Lunch River Cruise to be confirmed.

Events

Monday, 1st April 2024 - Sunday, 22nd September 2024

Brightlingsea Boat Trips and Foot ferryApril to September 2024 Brightlingsea Harbour is running its daily foot ferry service to Mersea Island and Point Clear. To book your ferry tickets visit website www.brightlingseaharbour.org
more info

Saturday, 1st June 2024 - Saturday, 21st September 2024

Pub Lunch River Cruise  Pub Lunch River CruiseEnjoy the stunning panoramic scenery along the River Colne to the picturesque riverside village of Wivenhoe. Included in the price is a delicious main meal at the renowned Black Buoy Inn which is steeped in maritime history. A lovely day out for couples/families/groups etc The trip from…
more info

Map & Directions

Road Directions

By car: From Thorrington Cross take the B1029 to the Harbour Office. Brightlingsea Harbour is 11 miles from Colchester and 12 miles from Clacton on Sea and 15 miles from the A12, Exit 28  

Public Transport Directions

Accessible by Public Transport: Alresford station is 4.4 miles away.

First Group Bus Service 62 from Colchester via Wivenhoe

Brightlingsea Boat Trips

Type:Boat Trips

Harbour Office, 4 Copperas Road, Brightlingsea, Colchester, Essex, CO7 0AP

TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 54 reviews54 reviews
Close window

Call direct on:

Tel+44 (0)1206 302200

Opening Times

Season (1 Apr 2024 - 22 Sept 2024)
Season (1 Apr 2024 - 22 Sept 2024)

* Brightlingsea Harbour Foot Ferry to Point Clear and East Mersea runs every day from April - September. The first ferry leaves at 10am. For further details download our timetable or visit https://www.facebook.com/brightlingseafootferry/
Brightlingsea to Wivenhoe Pub Lunch River Cruise runs from April to September on specific days during each month. visit https://www.facebook.com/brightlingseafootferry/ or log on https://www.brightlingseaharbour.org/ or email the Harbour Office mail@brightlingseaharbour.org for the latest information.

What's Nearby

  1. Brightlingsea Museum has something for visitors of all ages and interests. The displays…

    0.28 miles away
  2. Brightlingsea on the River Colne is rich in seafaring history and has the distinction of…

    0.51 miles away
  3. Cudmore Grove offers visitors a trip to the seaside with a difference at the eastern tip…

    1.62 miles away
  4. Wyvernwood is an immersive story-led experience near Colchester, Essex, for families with…

    2.97 miles away
  1. Nature reserve over 200 acres of mixed habitat on the Colne Estuary. Nature trails,…

    3.02 miles away
  2. Built originally as a Napoleonic Fort in the early 19th century the tower now acts as a…

    3.8 miles away
  3. Covering 6 acres, these beautiful gardens and nursery were created by award-winning…

    4.81 miles away
  4. Martello Bay is located approximately one mile from Clacton town centre and is adjacent…

    5.13 miles away
  5. We have two Beach Huts available for Weekly Hire from March to October.

    The first one is…

    5.56 miles away
  6. Adjacent to Martello Bay, West Beach has gently shelving sand and with the added bonus of…

    5.77 miles away
  7. There’s no way better to tour the beautiful Essex coast then aboard our Clacton Breeze…

    5.77 miles away
  8. Bradwell Cockle Spit on the Dengie Peninsular consists of some 30 acres of shell bank…

    5.98 miles away
  9. The Chapel of St Peters-on-the-Wall is the oldest church in England, situated on the…

    6.06 miles away
  10. One of Europe's top Wetland sites, excellent bird watching opportunities and fabulous…

    7.59 miles away
  11. 12th Century Augustinian priory ruins.

    7.61 miles away
  12. 15th Century flint flushwork gatehouse to St John's Abbey (demolished)

    7.64 miles away
  13. Firstsite is an international gallery and creative community space. See the world…

    7.66 miles away
  14. The Minories is Colchester's Oldest Art Gallery. Entry is free and there is a range of…

    7.73 miles away
  15. Get up close to nature as you discover an interesting perspective on the local natural…

    7.73 miles away
  16. Three centuries of fascinating toys, costume, clocks and decorative arts displayed in an…

    7.74 miles away
Previous Next

Don't Miss

Don't Miss

Don't Miss

Don't Miss

Don't Miss

Don't Miss

Don't Miss

Don't Miss

Don't Miss